The 1881 Fire of Huron County, MI Chapman Bros. 1884
(some GRAVES children died in this fire) "Flying sheets of flame and balls of fire were seen in every direction. These would often overtake or light upon people fleeing for life, and burn them to death. Many found refuge in wells. One man sought a lake for safety, found behind him in the morning was a big bear, submissive as a kitten.We could go on for days detailing incidents of this fire, and then not be half through. Space will not permit. We believe this conflagration has no parallel in the world's history. The Chicago fire of 1871 was not so extensive. The loss of life, the amount of property consumed, and the extent of the territory burned over the terrific speed with which the county was laid to waste; the wail of human suffering and anguish and woe that broke over these fair shores, it would seem never could be surpassed. "